Whooping cough is caused by what?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on November 10, 2024
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Whooping cough is a type of contagious disease, caused by infection with the Bordetella pertussis or Corynebacterium diphtheriae that causes respiratory infection symptoms. Its characteristics include paroxysmal, hormone-like coughing, commonly seen in clinical paediatrics. It presents specific cough sounds, such as a bark-like cough or a crowing sound during inhalation. If similar symptoms are observed, sputum culture or other diagnostic tests such as chest X-rays and routine blood tests can be performed. Once diagnosed, it is crucial to promptly select macrolide antibiotics to eliminate the pathogens.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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late stage symptoms of whooping cough

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the Bordetella pertussis or Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria. After infection, paroxysmal coughing occurs, and in later stages, the frequency of coughing episodes decreases and the duration of symptoms shortens. The main treatment should involve the use of macrolide antibiotics to eliminate the pathogen. Additionally, it is advisable to drink plenty of water, rest adequately, measure body temperature twice daily, and avoid excessive fatigue. As long as function and symptoms gradually ease, it indicates the recovery phase is beginning, generally requiring about fifteen to twenty days for complete recovery.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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What should be paid attention to in the diet for whooping cough?

Whooping cough is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by infection with Bordetella pertussis, mainly characterized by paroxysmal spasmodic cough, crowing inspiratory noise, commonly seen in children. In terms of diet, children with whooping cough should eat light and nutritious food. Do not eat spicy, greasy, or cold foods, as spicy foods can irritate the tracheal mucosa, and cold or greasy foods can damage the spleen and stomach, potentially exacerbating inflammatory changes.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Pertussis prone age group

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. The main age group affected by this disease are infants and young children, with the highest susceptibility seen in children under five years old, particularly infants younger than one year. The incidence of this disease has significantly decreased due to the widespread implementation of pertussis vaccination. Clinically, the disease is characterized by a cough that gradually worsens, presenting as typical paroxysmal, frequent coughing, and frothy sputum, with a crowing echo in the cough. The course of the disease can last up to three months.

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Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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The difference between pertussis and allergic cough

Pertussis (whooping cough) and allergic cough are different. Firstly, pertussis is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. Its symptoms include paroxysmal and frequent coughing, sometimes accompanied by a deep, crowing, inspiratory whoop sound. If not treated promptly, the condition can last for several months, which is why it is called whooping cough. Due to its high contagiosity and epidemic history, if infants contract pertussis, their condition can worsen, making them prone to complications like severe pneumonia or heart failure. However, allergic cough is a non-infectious condition primarily caused by hypersensitivity of the airways, easily triggered by various external allergens, leading to irritating dry coughs, but not worsening to lower respiratory tract infections. In daily life, by avoiding environmental allergens and using treatments such as nebulization and oral antiallergic medications, management is possible.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Pertussis is diagnosed through what?

Whooping cough is a respiratory infectious disease, generally diagnosed through typical clinical symptoms and laboratory test results. Typical symptoms include paroxysmal, spasmodic coughing, which can also lead to flushed face and ears, runny nose, acute sickly appearance, while some patients may have a cough that sounds like a puppy's bark and others may exhibit a crowing sound during inhalation. During this period, sputum pathogen culture or other auxiliary examinations can be used for diagnosis, and sensitive antimicrobial drugs can be chosen for anti-inflammatory treatment.